Character cafes in Singapore

These days, it’s no longer enough for an eatery to serve good food. These days, image-conscious millennials hunger for dishes with impeccable presentation (hashtag foodporn), along with spaces deemed photogenic enough for their critical eye. So you can imagine the hype and queues that ensue each time a new themed cafe or bar pops up.

Among these are character cafes, featuring our cartoon favourites. While Japan is most famous for this dining concept, Singapore, too, has its own character cafes - including kawaii Sanrio ones - many of which come with merchandise corners for hardcore fans.

1. Gudetama Cafe

By now, the nua egg which many of us can relate to needs no introduction. While other Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll are the epitome of cuteness, sunshine, and all things pure in general, the genderless Gudetama is a little different - lazy, melancholy, and weary. Which, in some strange way, makes it all the more endearing.

But it’s the desserts that steal the show. Made to look like savoury items, they’ll bamboozle even the most discerning taste buds. The Shoyu Ramen ($21.50) is truly a masterpiece - despite its name and deceptively convincing appearance, it’s actually chocolate cake with chestnut mont blanc and earl grey jelly.

2. Hungry Heroes

Saving the world is a tough job, so of course your heroes like Iron Man and Captain America require large meals as fuel. Fittingly, Hungry Heroes, Singapore’s first superhero-themed cafe, dishes out massive portions of protein-loaded American nosh that might even have Bruce Banner bursting at the seams.

Those coming with their entire league of super hungry pals can opt for the giant meat platters, served with fries and salad. Nice To Meat You ($60, for 2-3 pax) comprises of Half Rack BBQ Pork Ribs, Sirloin, Chicken Leg, and BBQ Pulled Pork. The Steak-Out ($120, for 4-5 pax) is similar, but also has Bangers & Truffle Mash, Bacon Karate Chop, and Beef Chilli Con Carne thrown into the mix.

While the first floor follows a classy gentleman’s bar vibe, the second floor is painted in colourful pastels and fitted with pop art and kitschy ornaments - including 2 chandeliers fashioned entirely out of action figures.

3. Charlie Brown Cafe

Like many, you might’ve have grown up poring over the Peanuts comic strips found in newspapers. Re-visit your childhood at the Charlie Brown Cafe, the longest-surviving character cafe in Singapore. Once a small open-air nook at 313 Somerset, the eatery has recently relocated to Orchard Cineleisure nearby with a larger air-conditioned unit

A mini library of Peanuts books for you to browse throughImage credit: @mammabruce

Their mains - Western fare like pasta and all-day breakfast - are pretty no-nonsense and aren’t themed. So don’t expect any gimmicks, just honest-to-goodness meals that’ll leave the whole family full and happy. Some favourites are the Cheesy Baked Eggs ($12), Grilled Ribeye Tagliata ($24), and Fish n’ Chips ($15).

4. My Melody Cafe

Image credit: Eatbook Girly girls who squeal at all things adorable would see the My Melody Cafe as the perfect hangout. Step through the leafy archway and be greeted by a cosy garden-like interior with artificial plants - and lots and lots of pink.

Image credit: My Melody Cafe Singapore A good number of dishes here bear the likeness of the sweet hooded rabbit, such as Princess Bunny ($18.90), a Japanese curry rice dish with karaage and vegetables.

Image credit: Eatbook For something less carby, there’s the hard-shelled Hola Taco ($25), and that’s about as pricey as it gets there - which is reasonable for a themed cafe. Instead of being done Mexican-style, this one comes with bulgogi beef and a handful of berries served on the side.

5. DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe

Standing out among the posh celebrity chef restaurants at Marina Bay Sands is the edgy DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe, with an American diner interior. Seats are covered in superhero comic book upholstery, and menus are also filled with similar comic illustrations - along with other tidbits like superhero trivia and the evolution of Batman’s suit over the years.

Expect an extensive range of American dishes here, with large portions to match. All of the items are named with a superhero twist to fit the theme - such as the Arkham Chili-Cheese Friesanity ($14.90) and Dark Is The Knight Truffle Pasta ($26.90).

If you’re here for the flatlay shots, go for their Bad Ass Burgers/Hotdog range, which come served in a striking Batman or Superman bento box. Warning: you might want to order one to share with a friend if you’re thinking of leaving any space in your tum tums for dessert.

Before Black Tap from NYC hit our shores with their crazy viral milkshakes, this cafe was already serving up their own over-the-top Freak Shakes ($16.90). But if that’s too heavy, they also have Mocktails ($12.90), Juice (from $7.90), and Iced Tea (from $8.90) which are just as beautifully presented.

Before you leave, make sure you check out their impressive Justice League statue collection. They’re pretty life-like, so you could snap a selfie with one and fool others into thinking you were at Gold Coast’s Movie World.

There’s also a retail space with clothes, masks, and figurinesImage credit: @dschcafe

6. Wonderland Savour

Unlike the rest on this list, Wonderland Savour, which only opened in June this year, isn’t overt in its theme; No character statues, cutesy plating, or stuffed toys present. What’s most distinctive here are gigantic framed prints of characters like the Red Queen, White Rabbit, and Tweedledum & Tweedledee.

But it’s really all about the finer details - the black and white checkered floor as a reference to the chessboard in “Through the Looking Glass”, a dazzling chandelier tree for a touch of whimsicality, and outlandish metallic gold and turquoise panels all over.

As swanky as the restaurant appears, it’s not a fine-dining establishment, so your wallet can rest easy - with reasonably priced European dishes like Escargot ($12), Beef Bourguignon ($16), and Spaghetti Truffle Carbonara ($14).

It’s truly a Mad Hatter’s tea party here - check out the enticing front counter display of macarons in rainbow hues, along with unicorn cupcakes, meringue tarts, and more. “Eat me!”, they’ll beckon, and you can bet it’ll be hard to resist.

Wonderland Savour is the sister restaurant to High Society at MBS, both of which are affiliated to the That CD Shop outlets they’re located beside. So take a tumble down this rabbit hole, recline in your plush velvet seat, and enjoy the jazzy tunes streaming in from next door.

7. Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Cafe

Hello Kitty has swapped her signature red bow for a red and white one to match our national flagImage credit: @caramellechaos

Such is the never-ending craze over Hello Kitty, that hundreds queued for hours for Hello Kitty Orchid Garden’s grand opening at Changi Airport 2 years ago. Evident from its name, the princessy-looking space comes decked out in greenery and orchids in line with our “Garden City” status.

I’ve eaten here before and admittedly the mains - or at least the Kitty Meets Benedict ($21) and Take a Bow beef stew with puff pastry ($22.50) I tried - are edible, but not fantastic. Portions might be small for those with large appetites.

My suggestion is to go straight for the sweet treats, which are more palatable. The assorted Sliced Cakes ($9.50) are a good choice if you’re waiting for a flight and need something quick to munch on. Flavours include Ondeh Ondeh, Lychee, and Carrot Cake.

Bonus: Platform 1094

Platform 1094 isn’t a character cafe per se as it’s only inspired by Harry Potter, rather than being an official outfit of the franchise. Even so, it’s hard for us muggles and squibbs to resist the magical charm it possesses - seeing as how it went viral in 2017, and is still attracting large crowds of both Singaporeans and tourists from far and wide.

Without actually featuring Daniel Radcliffe and his wizardly form, the cafe still pays good homage to the films and books of the fantasy series with their food styling and enchanting decor. Most famous on the list is Mrs Lich’s Flaming Brew ($15), a fiery blue cocktail resembling the Goblet of Fire.

Mains are generous, with a hot favourite being the tender and juicy Pesto Mayo Pork Ribs ($22). Crab Meat Aglio Olio ($17), which comes with smoked salmon and flying fish roe, is a good choice for those who enjoy seafood over slabs of meat.

As for desserts, you’ll be spellbound by the Book of Spells, especially if you’re a lover of all things chocolatey.

For the most immersive experience, they’ve got a costume rack with wands, Hogwarts house scarves, and even round-rimmed glasses just like Potter’s. Pick your house of choice, get cloaked up, and go crazy snapping a bajillion photos!

Themed cafes in Singapore featuring your favourite cartoon characters

Some say themed cafes only serve mediocre food because pleasing the taste buds isn’t their top priority. That may be true in cases, but if you do find yourself rolling up to such a joint, chances are you’re not there solely for a meal; It’s also for the overall experience of being immersed in a haven full of your favourite characters. So just head down with reasonable expectations, and have as much fun as you can - don’t forget your camera!

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